E-choice

ABSTRACT

The E-CHOICE fuel system makes uses the kinetic energy (created by movement of the vehicle), available at the drive and/or drag axle of the vehicle, by converting the axle(s) into a generator (G-Axle) to produce sufficient electrical energy to power an onboard electrolysis component (E-Tank). The E-Tank will produce pure hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in modified internal combustion engines. 
     The hydrogen and oxygen produced from the E-Tank component will be contained in separate low pressure containment components (H-Tank/Oxygen boost tank—125 psi. maximum). The fuel production components will operate cyclically as long as the vehicle is in motion, regardless of acceleration or deceleration. 
     A computerized electronic control module (CECM) will control all cyclic functions of the production components, as well as the fuel delivery system (FDS), which will deliver variable amounts of hydrogen and oxygen to the internal combustion engine through direct intake injection.

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 61212093040609 filed on 6 Apr. 2009

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to renewable energy, and reduction/elimination of greenhouse gas emissions.

No one else has yet produced a method by which inertial (movement) of a vehicle has been recaptured as a combustible fuel which is stored in low-pressure form, for re-use in said vehicle, in the manner and to the extent that this system provides.

No previous process or method has been utilized to use solar energy to capture and hold Hydrogen gas, in a low-pressure manner, as in this system for regeneration of electricity and use for heating, in the manner set forth.

2. Prior Art

As submitted with provisional patent referenced above.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 shows “block diagram” of interconnection of system components, and their relationships, for vehicle use.

FIG. 2 shows “block diagram” of system components, and their relationships, for home use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 A. Low Pressure Hydrogen Staging Tank (H-Tank, HST) Primary Fuel Source

A low-pressure tank with a binding agent to hold hydrogen in suspension (Solid Hydrogen). “Solid Hydrogen” is a porous stable compound that can absorb (Bind) its own weight in gaseous hydrogen, rendering it inert (Non-combustible) under low pressure. “Solid Hydrogen” is non-toxic and biodegradable.

B. Electrolysis Tank(s) (E-Tanks) Secondary Fuel Supply

Tanks which will hold water for electrolysis. Electrolysis of the water into Oxygen and Hydrogen will be achieved through permanently mounted positive and negative electrodes (anode and diode) in each tank.

The hydrogen produced will be directed into the primary fuel tank to continuously replace expended fuel.

The production will be pressure regulated to start and stop, as required, to maintain fuel level and system pressure in the primary fuel tank to mitigate any pressure created in the electrolysis process

Under “non-load” or “cruise” condition, excess oxygen will be vented to atmosphere.

Each tank will be equipped with a flushable sediment baffle in the bottom of the tank. In-line filters will make it possible to utilize any water source including seawater, without prior processing or distilling.

C. DC Generator Axle (G-Axle) 12 Volt Truck System Power and 110 v DC Power for the E-Tanks

A Drive Axle will be modified to include integral rotating sleeve DC generator (G-axle). The G-axles allow for kinetic energy reclamation.

Power generated is delivered to the E-Tanks, by means of a computer controlled regulation. Through use of a converter, a portion of the voltage produced will be stored and/or used to meet the vehicle's 12 v electrical needs.

Rapid charge-regulated discharge capacitors will be incorporated to maintain at minimum of 60 v DC power for secondary fuel production, and 12 v power for truck systems, during periods of slow or non-movement.

D. Hydrogen and Electricity Production and Application Control Module

A Computerized Electronic Control Module (CECM) will be used to control all aspects of the “On-board” system. The CECM will regulate use of the DC current produced by the G-Axle as necessary; monitor and control the E-Tank(s) start and stop parameters, based on fuel and pressure level in the H-Tank; and, provide regulation of the governable rheostat fuel delivery control (fuel pedal) and the required constant intake manifold pressure.

E. Auxiliary Power Unit

An auxiliary power unit, similar to those currently in use, which will generate electricity for replenishment of fuel during initial charge of system, or recharge if necessary.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 shows “block diagram” of interconnection of system components, and their relationships, for home use.

A. Low Pressure Hydrogen Staging Tank (H-Tank, HST) Primary Fuel Source

A low-pressure tank with a binding agent to hold hydrogen in suspension (Solid Hydrogen). “Solid Hydrogen” is a porous stable compound that can absorb (Bind) its own weight in gaseous hydrogen, rendering it inert (Non-combustible) under low pressure. “Solid Hydrogen” is non-toxic and biodegradable.

B. Electrolysis Tank(s) (E-Tanks) Secondary Fuel Supply

Tanks which will hold water for electrolysis. Electrolysis of the water into Oxygen and Hydrogen will be achieved through permanently mounted positive and negative electrodes (anode and diode) in each tank.

Water from commercial or public water services will be held in the tanks for electrolysis and replenished as necessary.

The hydrogen produced will be directed into the primary fuel tank to be used for home heating and generation of electricity.

The production will be pressure regulated to start and stop, as required, to mitigate any pressure created in the electrolysis process

Each tank will be equipped with a flushable sediment baffle in the bottom of the tank. In-line filters will make it possible to utilize any water source including seawater, without prior processing or distilling.

C. Solar Panel Array(s)

Solar panel array(s) will be used as a passive generation system to provide power for electrolysis.

Power generated is delivered to the E-Tanks, by means of a computer controlled regulation.

D. Hydrogen and Electricity Production and Application Control Module

A Computerized Electronic Control Module (CECM) will be used to control all aspects of the system.

The CECM will regulate use of the DC current produced by the Solar Panel Array(s) as necessary; monitor and control the E-Tank(s) start and stop parameters, based on fuel and pressure level in the H-Tank; and, provide regulation of the tie-in to the commercial electricity system. 

1. I have developed a process and method of producing fuel for an internal combustion engine, from the inertial energy of said vehicle, comprising the steps of a. affixing a generator axle to said vehicle, and; b. generating electricity from the movement energy of said vehicle during times of deceleration, downhill movement, or other times of non-acceleration, and; c. directing said electricity to a tank in which water is electrolyzed into Hydrogen and Oxygen, in a manner which separates the two gasses, and; d. releasing the Oxygen to the atmosphere, and; e. storing the Hydrogen gas in a non-volatile form for release to the engine to be used as fuel.
 2. I have developed a process and method of producing fuel for heating, and electricity generation, from passive energy sources, comprising the steps of a. incorporating passive electrical generation systems, such as wind and/or solar energy, and; b. directing said electricity to a tank in which water is electrolyzed into Hydrogen and Oxygen, in a manner which separates the two gasses, and; c. releasing the Oxygen to the atmosphere, and; d. storing the Hydrogen gas in a non-volatile form for release to the engine to be used as fuel for home heating, and; e. storing the Hydrogen gas in a non-volatile form for release to the engine to be used as fuel for cooking, and; f. storing the Hydrogen gas in a non-volatile form for release to an internal combustion engine-generator to be used as fuel for generation of electricity for said home. 